All flu viruses should be treated seriously as a highly contagious disease, and H1N1 or swine flu is no exception. Flu.gov states that each year more than 200,000 people are hospitalized and 36,000 people die from flu complications. Fortunately, there are several common-sense precautions you can take to protect yourself and others from H1N1 as well as other influenza viruses.
Vaccination
Vaccination is the best protection against contracting the flu, according to both the Centers for Disease Control and Flu.gov. For maximum protection, everyone requires two H1N1 vaccines, including people 65 years and older. While senior citizens are at less risk for contracting this influenza virus, they are at higher risk for serious complications should they get sick. Vaccination is especially important for people with young or weakened immune systems, as they are at the highest risk for developing flu-related complications.
Hygiene
There are several hygiene-related steps you can take to minimize your chances of becoming contaminated with or spreading the H1N1 virus. When coughing or sneezing, be sure to cover your mouth with a tissue and throw it away after you are finished using it. Regular hand washing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers is also effective to minimize the transmission of the H1N1 virus.
Avoid Sick People
Avoiding close contact with sick people is a great defense against getting H1N1 yourself. If you are sick, stay home and away from others as much as possible until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours. The CDC also recommends following public health advice regarding school closures, and suggests avoiding crowds to lessen the spread of this flu.
